Allegri moves Emanuelson

Massimiliano Allegri concedes Urby Emanuelson is better as a full-back and notes Milan “are favourites for the Scudetto along with Juventus.”

MassimilianoAllegri concedes UrbyEmanuelson is better as a full-back and notes Milan “are favourites for the Scudetto along with Juventus.”

The Rossoneri may not be Winter Champions, but they have reached the half-way stage of the season just one point behind the Bianconeriafter their 3-0 victory in Novara[12].

“We were forced to get the three points today in order to reach 40 points, which was the target we had set ourselves despite a tough start to the campaign,” said the Coach.

“Juventus are for the moment keeping up an impressive pace and are still unbeaten. We are the favourites for the Scudetto along with Juventus, even if one shouldn’t forget teams doing well like Udinese, Roma and Inter.”

It was still goalless at the break with Novara before Stephan El Shaarawy came off the bench, moving under-fire Emanuelson from trequartista to left-back.

“It is not easy for him to play ‘in the hole,’ seeing as he has mainly been out wide in his career. He did decidedly better as a full-back today, but Emanuelson remains a very important player in whatever his position. I think the criticism of this player has been gratuitous.

“El Shaarawy has improved a great deal over the last two months, especially in physical terms. Before he played in a different role, as he just needed a little time to get used to the new situation.”